Judge Delivers Formal Ruling In Lewinsky Dispute

An appeal is expected on immunity question

By Wolf Blitzer/CNN

WASHINGTON (May 4) -- Federal Judge Norma Holloway Johnson has delivered a formal written opinion that former White House intern Monica Lewinsky does not have an agreement for immunity from prosecution with the Whitewater prosecutors, CNN has learned.

It was reported last week Lewinsky's attorneys and Independent Counsel Ken Starr's office had been informed by Judge Johnson that she was going to rule against Lewinsky. A formal opinion has now been filed, according to a source who has read it.

The action paves the way for Lewinsky's attorneys, Bill Ginsburg and
Nathaniel Speights, to appeal Johnson's ruling.

A Washington grand jury is looking into reports that President Bill Clinton had an 18-month sexual affair with Lewinsky, lied about it under oath and encouraged her to lie about it, too. Clinton has denied the accusations.